Leatherhead GC & Abbey Moor GC: report and photos from the BJGT

For the first time in its 15-year history, on the 16th August the BJGT split the divisions to run events at two PlayMoreGolf venues.

These venues very kindly stepped in to replace the event which another club in Surrey was no longer able to hold.

The 18-hole players tackled the magnificent Leatherhead Club, while the 9-hole players were down the road enjoying a hidden gem in Abbey Moor Golf Club. Special thanks go to Michael Lowe at The Leatherhead and Antonio Febbrari at Abbey Moor for their assistance in ensuring that both events ran smoothly, we definitely hope to return next year! We are also grateful to Mervin, the Men’s Captain at The Leatherhead, for being our friendly and enthusiastic starter on the day.

With the weather holding, the players enjoyed the calmer conditions than most had experienced over the previous few days and the scoring certainly reflected this.

Junior Open Category

The Junior Open Boys Gross Division saw a 1-2 from Wentworth GC juniors Henry Daly and Rocky Chapman. Henry made it two wins from two starts on the BJGT this season, as he added The Leatherhead title to St. Ives after a level par round of 71, although having gone out in 4-under par, he was possibly hoping for even lower. Rocky Chapman made a run on the back 9 to come home in -2, but finished two shots back in second, with Kris Kim in third a single shot further back.

Maisie Whittall continued her fine season with another Girls Gross title by carding a fine 82, edging out Chewon Cho and Zara Gardam, who both posted rounds of 83. Chewon came out on top of the resulting countback decision over the back 9.

The Junior Open Net Division was dominated by the girls, as Sapphire Boyce posted an astonishing 61 to deservedly take home the gold medal, but the winning margin was only two shots, as Rosie Salter fired a superb 63 to claim the silver medal – both girls should be expecting rather large handicap reductions! James Page was the highest placed boy, in third, with his 66 ‘only’ good enough for the bronze medal.

9-10 Age Group

An incredible battle took place in the 9-10 Division with eleven players finishing within four shots of Kodi Dean, as he carded a wonderful +1 total of 35 to leave those earlier finishers slightly disappointed. AJ Van Emmenis shook off a disappointing start to head a 3-way tie on 36 and claim second place ahead of Michael Haywood in third. Sienna Vandrau (51) took home the Girls 9-10 winner’s trophy from a field of four girls, as we continue to see the number of girls competing increase.

The BJGT now moves on to the ‘Essex Swing’ for three events, starting at Three Rivers on 23 August, then Canons Brook on 24 August, and finally South Essex on 27 August.

We are working very hard to ensure that what is proving to be a very challenging season is still as enjoyable as possible for you all and we appreciate your continued support!